progression of diagnosis

i was just diagnosed on monday with silent acid
reflux-dont fit typical profile and had no
symptoms except swallowing had been
different, but not painful for over a year.
2 others docs didnt consider this. new doc prescribed
3 months of prevacid, diet and lifestyle
changes. question is -if he suspected
esophageal cancer, would he have done
biopsy that day or would he really wait
3 mos after meds? thanx and grateful
for this forum

ny100

Welcome to HealingWell and I am glad you found us. 

Reflux of digestive contents occurs when the one-way safety valve at the bottom of the esophagus fails to close correctly. Heartburn is the usual response to the reversed flow of harsh, acidic, digestive juices. However, many GERD sufferers do not signal this problem with heartburn. Called atypical/silent GERD, patients have little or no heartburn. They have numerous manifestations, i.e., hoarseness, lump feeling in the throat, runny nose, post nasal drip, ear pain, fatigue, chest pain, short of breath, cough, etc. (atypical GERD has been called “The Great Masquerader”).

I agree with Liz, if you have concerns re cancer do express them to your new physician.  Is it safe to assume your Dr. dx you on your physical exam and symptoms only ?

Kindly,

Kitt

 

ny

Thank you for your answers. It sounds like you  had a flexible laryngoscopy which enables your Dr to get an immediate look at your throat and nasal passages.  When you return in 3 months or sooner, if your sx become worse, I would ask your Dr. about your concerns as well as having an Gastroscopy ( UGI scope).

I feel it is a good thing that you had the scope as many Drs. simply dx on symptoms alone.  Remember to be your own best advocate as well as continue to talk with the members here in the forum as they have a wealth of knowledge.

Kindly,

Kitt

Hi ny100,

I have GERD/LPR....my symptoms have changed over the course of 9 months. It started which a mild chest tightness, then to throat tightness (globus feeling), then a burning sensation from the stomach to throat/mouth area. I also have some dental erosion as well form the acid/bile/and other things that come up a faulty valve.

I initially went to my PCP and did a course of omeprazole which did not really help, went to see a GI, did an EGD with a course of protonix, prevacid, and finally nexium without much control of the symptoms.

I went to see another GI for a second opinion, he ran another EGD, PH Bravo Test, and Manometry test to see if I was a candidate for reflux surgery which I was...but my syptoms were atypical compared to the typical heartburn/volume refluxer. He was hesitant to fully recommend surgery because of my symptoms. I felt lost at the time. I went to seek the best bariatric surgeon in my state and had him look at all my records, tests, and listen to my symptoms.

He felt he could help me.

I am scheduled for surgery on February 6th and I will let you know how that goes.

Not everyone's case ends up in surgery but this my story. I hope you get relief some way. Good luck.